Perl's The Composing Processes of Unskilled College Writers is an article which theorizes about the writing process, and what makes good writers. Perl specifically refers to a study which addresses three key questions about compositional processes: How do unskilled writers write? Can writing processes be analyzed in a systematic and replicable manner? and What does such a process says in regards to the ontological nature of composition, and how are future writers being educated? While attempting to answer these questions, the empirical study was able to chart, graph, and identify key elements in the compositional process. Specifically, they were able to analyze the data in standards and categories.
What the study concluded was as equally ground breaking as it was interesting. First and foremost participants in the study were found to be internalizing their writing and the process, much like self talk. This showed that although some writers are less skilled then others, everybody is practicing a unique and therefore complex writing routine. Moreover, because of this find, researchers were able to conclude that basic articulation and proficiency were more likely the cause of bad writing, not how it is approached(generally). One of the most useful findings was for teachers and educators in compositional fields because the quantitative research the study gathered was utilized to measure observable patterns in students methods. Therefore, more emphasis has been placed on the processes of writing, not so much the products.

This study is important because it revolutionized many aspects of how writing is taught, while paradoxically breaking it down it bits and pieces that can be better understood. For this reason, Perl's study is of high utility. Although many aspects of the study and the theories that follow are strictly objective, i think it allows for contextual interpretations in "off the grid" specific cases.